A two days visit to Anandwan (Kushtarogi Prakalp) and Hemalkasa (Lok Biradari Prakalp) was arranged by Engineers’ Forum, Nagpur on 15th & 16th February 2014. Total 60 persons gave confirmation for visit. Accordingly transport arrangement of 35 seater Bus. One Tavera & one Scorpio by (PMGSY) was done. However eleventh hour cancellation on 14th & 15th reduced by 16 persons.

Engineers assembled at IWWA and Chhatrapati Nagar Bus Stop. Bus and vehicles left IWWA at 7.30 a.m. and Chhatrapati Nagar at 8.00 a.m. Total 44 persons present. We reached Anandwan by 9.30, where Er. Saraf, EE (MSETCL) and staff welcomed us. We had very good breakfast and tea at canteen and took round of Hospital / Workshop / Samadhi etc. which depects huge work done by Hon. Baba Amte and team. Shri Deoghare of Anandwan arranged visit and explained at length. Met Hon. Dr. Vikas Amte in Hall at 12.15, who narrated the History of Anandwan. Offered Shawl / Shreefal and paid donation of Rs. 51,000/- from EFN and Rs. 5,000/- from members and thanked. Had nice meals in canteen and left at 3.00 p.m. for Chandrapur. Mrs. Ghodeswar, EE (MSETCL), Chandrapur and staff offered tarbuj juice to all. Thanked them and left for Allapalli. Er. Hiwarkar, EE (MSEDCL), offered samosa / tea to the group. Thanked him and his staff and left for Hemalkasa. Reached there by 8.30 p.m. welcomed by Amte family. Very good accommodation was offered. Had very good meals with all and saw the film depicting Lok Biradari Prakalp, very educative and impressive film depicting difficulties faced since beginning.

Informed all to get up early and get ready for Breakfast at 7.30 a.m. tomorrow as our meeting with Dr. Prakash Amte and Sau. Manda Amte is fixed at 8.00 a.m. All retired to bed.

All got ready and had Breakfast / tea and assembled to met Dr. Prakash and Manda Amte. Welcomed them and offered Shawl / Shreefal and donation of Rs. 51,000/- from EFN & Rs. 25,000/- for accommodation / Dinner / Tea / Breakfast / Lunch including donation from Members.

Each member was introduced to the Amte family. Both elaborated their efforts / struggle to develop this Project. Now there are more than 800 Adiwasi Boys / Girls in Hostel, whose expenses are about Rs. 11,000/- per day. Offered 50 Bedsheets to the KG Students of Prakalp. Had very good interaction and got reply to all querries.

Then visited the Animal friend world of Dr. Prakash Amte, which is not inferior to any zoo.

Shri Jagai Bhai then took us around the Prakalp and explained everything at length and answered to the querries by members. Members were moved by the tireless, selfless work of Amte couple and team in this remote Adivasi area.

Lunch was taken at 12.30 with Amte couple. Thanked them and the staff. Left Hemalkasa. Had tea / Biscuits at Allapalli by Er. Hiwarkar and staff. Left for Markandeya temple and had darshan and photo and saw huge Bank of River, Vainganga. Left for Nagpur. Had Bhaje / tea at Bhivapur. All the members were very Happy and termed the visit as great thought provoking. Left for Nagpur and dispersed. Requested all to send photos / idea as our website.

Er. S. D. Shinde President Engineers’ Forum, Nagpur

Note : Also find attached the Marathi report of this memorable visit by Er. Sanjay Khonde of WRD and selected photographs.

Glimpses


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